Anti-backlash Gear Deflection Rods Axial Prestressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-backlash devices in gears often weaken the wheel structure due to the need for large openings and limited elastic linking arm length, restricting the use of small diameter wheels and fixed prestressing, which affects torque transmission and adjustability.
Innovation Solution
The anti-backlash device features deflection rods extending from one side of a coaxial toothed member, with a flange and clamping mechanism allowing adjustable prestressing and larger diameter options, enabling constant torque transmission without weakening the wheel and accommodating varying axle distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic blocks cross two wheels to link them, then angular displacement between wheels is achieved, but the wheel board is weakened and minimum diameter is substantially increased
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection rods are arranged to extend parallel to the shaft axis rather than radially crossing the wheel, changing the spatial dimension of the elastic linking mechanism. This allows the rods to connect the two wheels without passing through the wheel boards, thereby maintaining structural strength while achieving the required angular displacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic linking function is segmented into multiple deflection rods distributed around the shaft circumference, with each rod independently connected to the two wheels. This segmentation allows the rods to be positioned optimally for strength while collectively providing the necessary elastic coupling and angular displacement between wheels.
2Device complexity
If radial openings are recessed in wheels to enable crossing rods, then elastic linking is achieved, but the wheel is weakened and small diameter wheels cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The linking mechanism transitions from a radial arrangement (requiring holes through the wheel) to an axial arrangement (parallel to shaft). The deflection rods extend in the axial direction between wheels, connected to peripheral seats on each wheel, eliminating the need for radial openings and preserving wheel structural integrity.
3Volume of moving object
If elastic linking arms length is limited by wheel radius, then compact design is achieved, but torque transmission capability and adjustability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection rods extend in the axial dimension rather than being constrained by the radial dimension (wheel radius). This allows the effective length of the elastic linking elements to be determined by the axial distance between wheels rather than the wheel radius, enabling longer elastic arms that provide greater torque transmission capability and adjustability while maintaining a compact radial footprint.
4Device complexity
If fixed prestressing is used in elastic blocks, then simple structure is achieved, but adjustability according to torque requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressing mechanism is made adjustable through the clamping device that can apply variable deflection stress to the rods. The clamping force can be modified to change the prestressing level, allowing the system to adapt to different torque requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressing parameter can be changed by adjusting the clamping force applied to the deflection rods. This allows the elastic coupling characteristics to be tuned according to the specific torque requirements of different applications, providing versatility without significantly increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design maintains a constant prestressing force across different axle distances, ensuring consistent torque transmission and preventing backlash variation, while allowing the use of smaller diameter wheels and adjustable prestressing without compromising structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed driving element is divided into two coaxial toothed members attached to one another by elastic means adapted to create a torque between these two coaxial toothed members
Implementation Method 2
The rods extend, with the shaft, outside of the toothed member... A device for clamping the flange on the end of the shaft and in an angular position around the shaft is fitted to apply a deflection stress to the rods
Data Source
AI summary
A driving element is divided into two coaxial toothed members elastically attached to one another. A first of the toothed members is fixed to a shaft. The second of the toothed members is freely mounted on this shaft. The second toothed member has a planar face, opposite and facing away from the first toothed member. That face has seats arranged around the shaft to receive first respective ends of deflection rods. The rods extend, with the shaft, outside of the toothed member. A flange has an axial passage for receiving an end of the shaft. The flange has seats for receiving second respective ends of the deflection rods. A device for clamping the flange on the end of the shaft and in an angular position around the shaft fitted to apply a deflection stress to the rods.